Ferran Torres says Spain's FIFA World Cup triumph over Argentina was 'destiny' after extra-time winner in 2026 final

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Ferran Torres declared it was Spain's "destiny" to become world champions again after his extra-time winner secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, ending a 16-year wait for a second global crown.

Watch: 'It hurts my soul' - Scaloni exits emotional press conference in tears

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Sixteen years after Andres Iniesta delivered Spain's first World Cup title in Johannesburg, Torres produced another defining moment on football's greatest stage.

This time, as he put it himself, destiny had already been written.

The substitute etched his name into Spanish football history by smashing home the decisive goal just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time after Nico Williams nodded Pedro Porro's cross into his path.

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The strike settled a tense final in New Jersey, where Spain's dominance was finally rewarded as they added a second World Cup title to that won in South Africa in 2010.

Torres dedicated the triumph to the Spanish people, insisting victory had always felt inevitable.

"I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here," the Barcelona forward said. "Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We're far from our people today, but we tried to be as close as possible to them."

Spain controlled possession and created the better chances throughout but were repeatedly frustrated by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whose string of saves looked set to force penalties.

Spain celebrate lifting the World Cup trophy in New Jersey

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Argentina's hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup unravelled after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card at the end of normal time.

Lamine Yamal came closest to breaking the deadlock in normal time with a curling free-kick that Martinez brilliantly tipped away, while Williams was denied twice in extra time before Torres finally grabbed the elusive goal.

Lionel Scaloni's side, led by 39-year-old Lionel Messi in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance, failed to register a meaningful effort until the closing stages of extra time as Spain's defence stood firm.

Despite facing one of football's greatest players on the biggest stage, Torres said Spain never abandoned their belief.

"Finals are hard," he added. "When you have Messi on the opposing team you do get worried, but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football and I think we managed to do it once again."

The winning goal also marked a personal moment of redemption for the forward, who admitted the tournament had not always gone his way.

"A huge relief [to score]," said Torres, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City for £49.5 million in January 2022.

"I've been criticised throughout the whole tournament but as I said before, destiny was written. Thanks to God, he always gives me the strength to continue and, in the end, he grants things to those that most deserve them."

De la Fuente's pride: It was worth it

Spain's victory was built on excellence throughout the squad.

Rodri capped another commanding tournament by being named Player of the Tournament, adding the honour to a remarkable collection which includes the Ballon d'Or, UEFA Champions League, four Premier League titles, the European Championship and now the World Cup.

Behind him, Unai Simon was awarded the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets and conceding just one goal throughout the tournament, while 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi completed Spain's individual accolades by being named Young Player of the Tournament.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said: "I have so much pride. Pride for this generation of footballers that have been growing with this idea, staying loyal to the idea, and doing their best.

"They are an example of a team, a group, a family, and a collective of great players that have been exceptional. I'm just so proud to have accompanied them on this journey, to have been there with them on this trajectory is an honour.

"I can't really tell you how I feel. All I can say was it was worth it. Of course, at the moment I am very emotional, particularly having watched from behind the scenes.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente with the World Cup trophy

Image credit: Getty Images

"I have spoken so much to the players, who said to me: 'Boss, we've won it all', and it's marvellous. This generation of players is an example for Spanish sport, for the Spanish youth. Together we are much stronger, and that is why we don't forget anyone.

"Of course, we would have liked to win the game much sooner. The Martinez save prevented us from doing so. We tried and tried to get on the scoresheet but weren't able to, but this is a World Cup final, even against ten men, at the end, we had to suffer. But, we like to suffer, and I'll say it again, we were prepared for everything."

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart believed the result was a fitting reward for the tournament's outstanding side.

"Spain fully deserve it," the TNT Sports pundit told the BBC. "They have been absolutely superb all tournament. They have dominated all game against a ridged, rugged Argentina. The best team has won this World Cup. We have to commend Spain's mentality.

"They could have thought the whole world was against them today with the way Emi Martinez was playing, but they stayed composed and kept playing.

"They must have thought it was going to go to penalties, but they never gave up. I had a decent career myself, but looking on, I can't imagine how it feels to be world champions. Winning a World Cup is unbelievable.

"Spain have got a way of playing that no one in the world has proven they can get anywhere near. No one laid a glove on them, just ten shots on target against them in the whole tournament.

"Argentina had absolutely no chance today. No matter what they threw at them, they just kept their levels, and they barely looked like they broke sweat."

One of the brightest examples of Spain’s fearless approach came through teenage sensation Yamal, who became one of the youngest players ever to feature in a World Cup final.

Lamine Yamal and Gavi with the World Cup trophy

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At 19 years and six days old, Yamal became the third-youngest player to appear in the tournament’s showpiece match, behind only Pele in 1958 (17 years and 249 days) and Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982 (18 years and 201 days).

Argentina attempted to disrupt the Barcelona forward’s influence by targeting him physically, but Hart praised the teenager’s maturity and composure under pressure.

"Not only did Yamal not react - he stood up to it. He was not rattled, and he did not back down. He had the entire team trying to smash him.

"He just stayed real cool. A real standout performance from him today. I love to see the joy in his face. He is still a young man at the end of the day.

"They have allowed him to be young and free. He has completed football. It is only going to get better. Lamine Yamal... 19 years old!

"Everyone will try to get on his back and everyone will try and hate on him. What a beautiful day for him. I am so pleased for him."

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